Lieutenant came in war and stayed for peace

Not every prisoner of war returned home at the cessation of hostilities.

Perhaps the most well known was Jules Legendre, a lieutenant in Bonaparte’s elite Imperial Guard, which had been renamed from the Consular Guard in 1804 and was headquartered in Paris.

Captured around 1812, Legendre was held in Perth prison, but opted to remain in Scotland on his release.

He married Dunkeld woman Jane Inches and the couple had three children – two girls and a boy – although their son, William Cleviller died in infancy.

Legendre settled into his new life in Scotland and taught modern languages in what is now Dundee High School.

He died in September 1840 and was interred at Dundee’s Howff cemetery.

His original gravestone was replaced with a new one by his two daughters, Therese and Caroline, in 1891.

The fine monument, bordered by an iron railing can still be seen today.

A poem was later composed in honour of the French Lieutenant. “Here in the very heart of old Dundee Rest his remains within an alien soil. He fought for country, yet he found a place

Far from his native Chartres for peaceful toil.

When friends from Orleans pass with hurrying feet.

Catching a glimpse of daffodils abloom,

May they have eyes – though but a fleeting glance –

For this brave piece of France – the cross-crowned tomb.”

Legendre’s widow Jane died in Glasgow in December 1848.

As part of the 450th anniversary commemorations of the Howff cemetery in 2014, a wreath was laid at his tomb to commemorate the brave Frenchman who made Scotland his home.